12/22/2011
I opened the new package of smartstrand samples today and found the rumors to be true. Somehow, this "next generation" of SmartStrand IS softer. That would have been enough to capture my attention, but the second thing I noticed was two new styles that are "flecked" with color. Perfect! It's just what I have been asking for for the last few years. Mohawk also fixed some gaps in their warranties: Most notable to include Pet problems, and stairs.
The only flaw I found was in their new "grading system." On the back of the samples I found a sliding scale, but it's not a scale of bad to good, rather good to perfect. This through me off as I quickly noted a product to score a '7' out of '10', and thought that was equal to a 'C' grade. What a terrible score to put on a sample (my first thought), and, let me be the judge of that (my second thought). I hate when companies grade themselves, or at least, post their grade on a sample.
All things being considered, I love what Mohawk has done with this new ULTRA SMARTSTRAND.
IQ Floors Link SmartStrand Ultra
From Mohawk's Press Release:
Dec. 1, 2011— Mohawk is broadening its successful SmartStrand® with DuPont™ Sorona® product platform to further differentiate the industry’s most innovative carpet. SmartStrand® Ultra™ with DuPont™ Sorona is the only carpet with built-in stain and soil resistance that will never wear, wash off or diminish over time, and SmartStrand Ultra is only for Mohawk aligned and independent retailers.
“The success of SmartStrand has been phenomenal, but it’s time to take it to the next level and create a SmartStrand product platform exclusively for Mohawk’s aligned and independent retailers,” said Tom Lape, president of residential and commercial at Mohawk. “SmartStrand Ultra reinforces the ultimate in performance and gives the local retailer a real, competitive edge.”
Lape says the most current trend-driven designs will be exclusive to the SmartStrand Ultra brand, and therefore only available to Mohawk aligned and independent retailers. Mohawk is introducing numerous new SmartStrand Ultra offerings at the Solutions 2012 convention, which include the most sought after patterns and textures that today’s consumers demand.
“These are superior offerings and they will drive traffic to the local retail flooring store,” added Lape. “Today’s consumer is savvy about fashion and design, but she is value-focused, so she will not sacrifice stain and soil resistance or durability. SmartStrand Ultra is the perfect way to satisfy all of her needs.”
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
IQ Floors website
http://www.iqfloors.com
I'm looking for html suggestions or general advice on optimizing the site. I'd also like general thoughts, criticisms, etc. on how I can make the site better.
http://www.denvercarpetstore.com
I'm looking for html suggestions or general advice on optimizing the site. I'd also like general thoughts, criticisms, etc. on how I can make the site better.
http://www.denvercarpetstore.com
Monday, December 12, 2011
Nylon vs Polyester Carpet Fiber
I have posted numerous articles and videos about the ongoing dispute over carpet fiber. It seems, however, that they always come across as pro-polyester and anti-nylon. This is not my argument, though.
My main objective is for consumers to buy a good carpet in whole, which means looking at more than just fiber. A great density is the ultimate benchmark in quality carpets, followed by twist, fiber, color, and construction. The majority of the time, this will be engineered with Nylon carpets, especially Stainmaster Nylon.
That being said, however, not all Nylon carpets are good carpets. If you have a good fiber, but not enough of it, or that fiber is twisted poorly, or spun together instead of a continuous fiber, then you have a good fiber but not a good carpet.
Think of it like a car engine. Which is better: a V-6, or a 4-cylinder? Most people in their minds think the V-6. However, a 4-cylinder is cheaper, gets better gas mileage (better for the Earth), and is generally regarded as one of the more reliable engine types. On the other hand, you wouldn't put a 4-cylinder in my truck, as even the V-6 wouldn't pull a toaster, I need the V-8.
Just like car engines, there is a correct "carpet" for you, but there is a lot more to consider than just fiber.
http://iqfloors.com/
nylon or polyester
My main objective is for consumers to buy a good carpet in whole, which means looking at more than just fiber. A great density is the ultimate benchmark in quality carpets, followed by twist, fiber, color, and construction. The majority of the time, this will be engineered with Nylon carpets, especially Stainmaster Nylon.
That being said, however, not all Nylon carpets are good carpets. If you have a good fiber, but not enough of it, or that fiber is twisted poorly, or spun together instead of a continuous fiber, then you have a good fiber but not a good carpet.
Think of it like a car engine. Which is better: a V-6, or a 4-cylinder? Most people in their minds think the V-6. However, a 4-cylinder is cheaper, gets better gas mileage (better for the Earth), and is generally regarded as one of the more reliable engine types. On the other hand, you wouldn't put a 4-cylinder in my truck, as even the V-6 wouldn't pull a toaster, I need the V-8.
Just like car engines, there is a correct "carpet" for you, but there is a lot more to consider than just fiber.
http://iqfloors.com/
nylon or polyester
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Wrinkling and Carpet Restretching Causes
I noticed something a few years ago that has largely gone unexplained.
There is a direct correlation between carpet wrinkles (carpet that is buckling and causing "waves") and humidifiers and/or swamp coolers.
Several years ago, my last carpet showroom was a huge square building with no AC. I purchased a commercial size swamp cooler to try and cool the place down. The building was 3300 square feet with 24 foot ceilings. It was cooler immediately.
The week after I started using the swamp cooler, wrinkles began to appear, then grow (the carpet was stretched in over a year before). I noted the wrinkles with the manufacturer and made my own assumption: I knew the installation was done correctly, because I did it; so the cause had to be a manufacturing defect such as delamination, or an environmental issue.
Since then, I have noticed that every consumer claim with me regarding wrinkles has had one thing in common: swamp coolers.
The reason for the post is simple: heavy use of a humidifier or swamp cooler can cause damage to carpeting, as well as furniture and cabinets. There is a certain level of humidity that your home and health require, but above that level, or an inconsistent level, can lead to problems such as wrinkling.
There is a direct correlation between carpet wrinkles (carpet that is buckling and causing "waves") and humidifiers and/or swamp coolers.
Several years ago, my last carpet showroom was a huge square building with no AC. I purchased a commercial size swamp cooler to try and cool the place down. The building was 3300 square feet with 24 foot ceilings. It was cooler immediately.
The week after I started using the swamp cooler, wrinkles began to appear, then grow (the carpet was stretched in over a year before). I noted the wrinkles with the manufacturer and made my own assumption: I knew the installation was done correctly, because I did it; so the cause had to be a manufacturing defect such as delamination, or an environmental issue.
Since then, I have noticed that every consumer claim with me regarding wrinkles has had one thing in common: swamp coolers.
The reason for the post is simple: heavy use of a humidifier or swamp cooler can cause damage to carpeting, as well as furniture and cabinets. There is a certain level of humidity that your home and health require, but above that level, or an inconsistent level, can lead to problems such as wrinkling.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Smartstrand
http://iqfloors.com/Colorado_Springs/SmartstrandCarpet.htmlI was born in the carpet business, which makes me the life of any party. So long as everyone attending wants to hear about fiber strength and carpet claims. I bring this up not as a badge of honor, but to explain why very few products even catch my attention. Carpets are all the same, and same is boring. same feel, same look, same this, same that.
Smartstrand began to change all that a few years ago. Suddenly, a story was born, and carpet stores need stories. We love stories.
Okay, you take corn in lieu of oil and you make carpet out of it, BRILLIANT! If that's all there was, then the carpet would be a bestseller. Less energy consumption, renewable resources, and recycled content make this one of the more conscious carpet collections in the industry.
But, wait, there's more! Smartstrand carpet is the softest carpet in the industry. Without question, the touch of smartstrand is better than any other fiber by far. I have "posh origins" in my house. I installed it in 2009 when it first was introduced. It's still soft, still looks brand new, and has been amazing at cleaning common spills like coffee, tea, and juices.
When customers come into my store, I have a story that really engages them. Everything they are looking for is everything that smartstrand has to offer.
Smartstrand began to change all that a few years ago. Suddenly, a story was born, and carpet stores need stories. We love stories.
Okay, you take corn in lieu of oil and you make carpet out of it, BRILLIANT! If that's all there was, then the carpet would be a bestseller. Less energy consumption, renewable resources, and recycled content make this one of the more conscious carpet collections in the industry.
But, wait, there's more! Smartstrand carpet is the softest carpet in the industry. Without question, the touch of smartstrand is better than any other fiber by far. I have "posh origins" in my house. I installed it in 2009 when it first was introduced. It's still soft, still looks brand new, and has been amazing at cleaning common spills like coffee, tea, and juices.
When customers come into my store, I have a story that really engages them. Everything they are looking for is everything that smartstrand has to offer.
Bliss Flooring
I worked for Beaulieu Carpets for several years before I started my own business. Back then, Beaulieu was only known more making "run of the mill" carpets. We were the third dog in a two dog race, as they say. Mohawk and Shaw controlled the market, and the smaller mills picked up the scraps.
For the last couple of years, Beaulieu has been amazingly effective in marketing a new product campaign called, "Bliss." The entire collection is made of quality products with modern appeal, better warranties, and strong engineering (density, twist, fiber).
The program has two segments, which I feel is a strong addition to the carpet industry. First, Healthy Home is a collection of carpets with silver built into the fibers. This treatment allows the carpet to be naturally antibacterial. This Silver Release is coupled with their Magic Fresh odor treatment, which happens to be the other pillar of the Bliss program.
Magic Fresh has been around for quite some time. I tried it out with "Palm Springs" from Beaulieu about 10 years ago in my basement. For an average household, with kids, two dogs, and a lot of the older basement smells, the carpet was immediate in proving its claims. My basement smelled like nothing, a vast change and certain improvement from the previous carpet.
I am currently trying out "artful" in my house. For the last few months it has been perfect. Very comfortable over a memory foam pad, very soft to the touch, and very reliable in standing up to my kids' abuse.
The only question I would have for the engineers is the environmental impact of silver ions on the carpet. Does it walk off or transfer? and if so, what is that impact on people and environment?Bliss from IQ
For the last couple of years, Beaulieu has been amazingly effective in marketing a new product campaign called, "Bliss." The entire collection is made of quality products with modern appeal, better warranties, and strong engineering (density, twist, fiber).
The program has two segments, which I feel is a strong addition to the carpet industry. First, Healthy Home is a collection of carpets with silver built into the fibers. This treatment allows the carpet to be naturally antibacterial. This Silver Release is coupled with their Magic Fresh odor treatment, which happens to be the other pillar of the Bliss program.
Magic Fresh has been around for quite some time. I tried it out with "Palm Springs" from Beaulieu about 10 years ago in my basement. For an average household, with kids, two dogs, and a lot of the older basement smells, the carpet was immediate in proving its claims. My basement smelled like nothing, a vast change and certain improvement from the previous carpet.
I am currently trying out "artful" in my house. For the last few months it has been perfect. Very comfortable over a memory foam pad, very soft to the touch, and very reliable in standing up to my kids' abuse.
The only question I would have for the engineers is the environmental impact of silver ions on the carpet. Does it walk off or transfer? and if so, what is that impact on people and environment?Bliss from IQ
Monday, October 3, 2011
Recycled carpet pad
wwwiqfloors.com
Last night, at 3:30am, the phone rang and woke me to worry.
"Yes?", I said.
My heart sank when I heard, "This is officer Adam West..." I swear this was his name, and so my first reaction was to say, "Batman?" I couldn't, however, because of the fear that he was calling me to inform me a relative had been in an accident.
"Do you own the carpet store on Fillmore Ridge Heights?" he asked with a serious tone.
Now I was worried. "Yes."
"We have someone here that is stealing," he paused, "I think it's carpet pad, and we need you to come down and help clear things up for us." he said.
I was there in ten minutes, with sweatpants, sandals, and a baseball cap. I felt sick. Violated.
The closer I got, the more the police car looked like a security patrol car. The guard was waiting with flashlight in hand. He had the "suspect" sitting on his hood, arms crossed, and head down.
The beat up chevy was stacked eight feet tall in the bed with nothing but filthy, used carpet pad. I had stacked it next to the trash in hopes someone would take it. Someone did. At 3:30 in the morning.
"I thought you meant he had broken in and stolen pad from me, but this stuff is trash." I reasoned. "I'd pay someone to steal this from me. Should I thank him?"
It was obvious the security guard was disappointed. He wanted a catch and he couldn't understand that this guy was doing me a favor. "Well, did he have your permission?"
"Take a look at that stuff. Or, better yet, smell it. That is used, piss soaked, filth. For all of his work, he's gonna get four cents per pound. If you do the math, he's gonna make eight bucks."
He said a few comments to his perp and let him drive away. Then, with his flashlight still in hand, he looked at me. "You gotta a couple of minutes to look at your building?"
"I guess. But, I actually was hoping to sleep for another hour."
"Well, I noticed a number of security flaws with your store." he said in a demeaning way. He pointed at a rock and clicked his flashlight on. "See that rock? If I was a criminal, I could take that rock and smash your window, grab what I need, and run."
"But that's my forklift-stopper rock." I chuckled.
"Look here," he said, and pointed his flashlight into the window. "See those cups on your counter?"
"Yeah?" I said doubting this was going anywhere.
"If I was homeless, I would know you had water, and probably food in there. I could smash my way in and have a feast." He scolded.
"You mean with my forklift-stopper rock?" I chuckled again.
He started with another example, but I had to cut him short. "I really have to go."
Last night, at 3:30am, the phone rang and woke me to worry.
"Yes?", I said.
My heart sank when I heard, "This is officer Adam West..." I swear this was his name, and so my first reaction was to say, "Batman?" I couldn't, however, because of the fear that he was calling me to inform me a relative had been in an accident.
"Do you own the carpet store on Fillmore Ridge Heights?" he asked with a serious tone.
Now I was worried. "Yes."
"We have someone here that is stealing," he paused, "I think it's carpet pad, and we need you to come down and help clear things up for us." he said.
I was there in ten minutes, with sweatpants, sandals, and a baseball cap. I felt sick. Violated.
The closer I got, the more the police car looked like a security patrol car. The guard was waiting with flashlight in hand. He had the "suspect" sitting on his hood, arms crossed, and head down.
The beat up chevy was stacked eight feet tall in the bed with nothing but filthy, used carpet pad. I had stacked it next to the trash in hopes someone would take it. Someone did. At 3:30 in the morning.
"I thought you meant he had broken in and stolen pad from me, but this stuff is trash." I reasoned. "I'd pay someone to steal this from me. Should I thank him?"
It was obvious the security guard was disappointed. He wanted a catch and he couldn't understand that this guy was doing me a favor. "Well, did he have your permission?"
"Take a look at that stuff. Or, better yet, smell it. That is used, piss soaked, filth. For all of his work, he's gonna get four cents per pound. If you do the math, he's gonna make eight bucks."
He said a few comments to his perp and let him drive away. Then, with his flashlight still in hand, he looked at me. "You gotta a couple of minutes to look at your building?"
"I guess. But, I actually was hoping to sleep for another hour."
"Well, I noticed a number of security flaws with your store." he said in a demeaning way. He pointed at a rock and clicked his flashlight on. "See that rock? If I was a criminal, I could take that rock and smash your window, grab what I need, and run."
"But that's my forklift-stopper rock." I chuckled.
"Look here," he said, and pointed his flashlight into the window. "See those cups on your counter?"
"Yeah?" I said doubting this was going anywhere.
"If I was homeless, I would know you had water, and probably food in there. I could smash my way in and have a feast." He scolded.
"You mean with my forklift-stopper rock?" I chuckled again.
He started with another example, but I had to cut him short. "I really have to go."
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Numero Uno
I rode to work today on the ol' trek and thought to myself, I need a blog. As a writer, entrepreneur, father and husband, poker player, and all around general critic -- a blog will be a simple outlet for all my dribble. So, here goes nothin'.
www.iqfloors.com website for my colorado springs carpet store, featuring smartstrand carpet
www.oreagano.com an empty shell of some ideas that I'll be publishing later this spring.
www.iqfloors.com website for my colorado springs carpet store, featuring smartstrand carpet
www.oreagano.com an empty shell of some ideas that I'll be publishing later this spring.
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